“Lots of research that is student focused to help them understand what they are studying, as well as preparation for Grad-School”
Dr. Mike Pyle
One thing undergraduate students in Olivet’s Zoology department get is hands-on research experience. One program where this happens is called ONU Animal Care. This program allows both Zoology majors and non-majors to get experience taking care of over 60 native and exotic species from reptiles to aquatic animals. This program occurs year-round and allows students to get up close and personal with the animals. Olivet also partners with Quetzal Education Research Center (QERC) which allows a team of students to work alongside professors in Costa Rica as they create their own research projects studying the cloud forest tropical environments.
Dr. Leo Finkenbinder was a masterful recruiter who grew the department from 7 or 8 to over 60 majors and started the partnership with QERC
– Dr. mike pyle
| Universities: | Study areas: | Research Opportunity: |
| Olivet Nazarene University | STEM, Biology, ecology and Behavior studies (all with various subcategories) | Several research opportunities for undergrad Animal Care Program: over 60 native and exotic species for both Zoology majors and non-majors diverse terrestrial and aquatic divisions QERC research program in Costa Rica |
| Oregon State University | Cell biology, Physiology, ecology, evolution biology | Diversity of vertebrate and invertebrate animals from marine and terrestrial environments Understand relationships between and challengers of biological issues and society |
| Arizona State University | Biological and Biomedical | Few undergrad research opportunities Doctoral Programs |
Olivet’s STEM program, thanks to the numerous donations provided by alumni from the program, has several different research opportunities available. Dr. Long explained that these projects are what make the department so unique. One, in particular, is the Au Sable institution, Dr. Long favored this experience because it allowed science students of different studies to come together. Professors and students working side by side, researching, recording new information. It has allowed seven undergraduate students to publish a scientific paper alongside their professors just last year.
Hannah Kraemer is a Junior and one of 75 Zoology Majors. She plays an important role in the Animal Care program. As a Marine Specialist, she oversees the team that takes care of a saltwater tank in Reed Hall of Science. She gave a student’s perspective on the different opportunities ONU’s Zoology program has to offer. Kraemer is looking forward to taking advantage of the field research in Coast Rica as part of the QERC program started by Dr. Finkenbinder this coming summer. Also, as president of the Zoology club (which is available to both majors and non-majors) she takes on a leadership role trying to perform various service projects throughout the community that also garners experience in various natural habitats, such as the Kankakee State Park.
Zoology students spend a lot of time in the outdoors studying animals in their natural habitats, but there are also students who research just the habitats by specializing in Environmental Science. These natural mergers allow more opportunities for students to connect, research and grow together.
